What to Say to Others

• Say what you see. Describe to your friends how they were acting when they were drunk. Stick to their behavior and do not label it or judge it. For example: “Last night you fell down three times on the way back to the dorm…”, or, “Last night you were really loud and you picked a fight with that guy down the hall.”
• Say what you feel. Approach your friend from a place of caring and concern. Let them know that you don’t want to see them get hurt and that you feel scared… hurt…angry…sad…whatever…when you see them engage in certain behaviors when they are drunk.
• Say what you know. Share with them information that you know to be true about drinking. Correct their misperceptions about alcohol use on campus. Give them brochures, etc. (free brochures and other self-help information can be found at the Counseling Center information stand, Room 571 Student Services Building).
• Say where your boundaries are. Hold them accountable for their actions when drunk. Make the choice not to enable them through covering up or cleaning up. For example: “I’m not holding your head over the toilet again.”
• Say why there is hope. Offer to talk with your friends about their concerns. Offer your support and encouragement if they want to make changes in their drinking habits. Let them know that change is possible and that you believe in them.

The EKU Counseling Center staff is always available for consultation. If you would like more information on helping a friend deal with an alcohol or drug problem contact us at 859-622-1303 or stop by Room 571 Whitlock Building.

Where to Go if You Need Help for Yourself or a Friend

Outpatient Counseling and Assessment Services

• EKU Counseling Center: Room 571 Student Services Building, 859-622-1303
• Richmond Comprehensive Care Center: 415 Gibson Lane, Richmond 859-623-9367 or 1-800-928-8000
• The Ridge Behavioral Health System: 3050 Rio Dosa Drive, Lexington 859-269-2325 or 1-800-753-4673

Inpatient Treatment Services/Drug and Alcohol Detoxification

• Schwartz Center: Lexington 859-246-7282 or visit the New Vista website
• Ridge Behavioral Health System: 3050 Rio Dosa Drive, Lexington 1-800-753-4673 or 859-269-2325
• Good Samaritan Center for Behavioral Health (UK Good Samaritan Hospital): 310 S. Limestone St., Lexington 1-800-776-2673

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Al-Anon

• Dry Dock, 262 Four Mile Rd., Richmond, KY, 859-624-3808
• AA Bluegrass Area Central Office: 1-800-467-8019
• AA Central Office in Lexington: 859-276-2917
• Al-Anon/Alateen (for friends and families of individuals who have drinking problems): 859-277-1877

The Lexington AA program offers two, “young peoples” meetings every week.

• Tuesdays, 8:30 pm: Saint Augustine’s Church, 472 Rose Street.
• Wednesdays, 5:00 pm: The Newman Center at the University of Kentucky, 320 Rose Lane